People living in Witham could soon be cruising the information superhighway - thanks to the launch of a cyber cafe.

Ambitious plans to open the centre are currently being discussed by the town's strategy group.

The project is still in its infancy but talks are taking place between Braintree Council chiefs and a potential operator.

It is believed the hi-tech cafe would be located in Spa Road.

Strategy group chairman Paul Ryland said: "We will do everything we can to encourage the opening of a business of this nature. Right now we are examining set up costs."

The district council is also exploring the possibility of opening a cyber cafe in Braintree. Housing advisory officer Judith Ogan added: "It's a very ambitious project but one I'm sure could be successful.

"It could become the focal point of the town," she added.

"We held a democracy day in Cressing last year to give youngsters in the district a chance to have their say and one of the main talking points was the opening of a cyber cafe.

"We are very keen to take their views on board and we have visited other cyber cafes in places like Colchester and Chelmsford to explore their effectiveness."

Braintree Council is also considering installing computers at Witham's Bramston Sports Centre in a bid to make the internet more readily available to the general public.

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